Chapter One - Hotel Sime du Sud

Chapter One - Hotel Sime du Sud

7:00 AM - Administration Office

Golden sunlight slanted through the large window, mingling with the aroma of French press coffee that permeated the room. Jessie Narty Lupin Anthony Lucien—or, as everyone knew her, simply "Jessie Narty"—sat behind her mahogany desk, poring over the files of incoming guests. Her slender fingers flicked meticulously between the pages, while her hazel eyes captured every detail.

"Mr. Nicholas," she raised her clear, authoritative voice, "the British delegation will be arriving an hour before noon, right?"

The Director of Services stood before her, adjusting his tie. "Yes, Miss Narty, but they've made a strange request. They want to disable the cameras in the west corridor."

A faint smile crossed her lips, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "The cameras remain. But we'll reduce the visible security there. Tell the security team to monitor remotely."

11:00 AM - Main Reception

Jessie stood firmly at the main entrance, wearing a smart navy suit that matched her eye color. Her curly blonde hair was tied tightly in a low ponytail. Her breath ragged as she watched the luxurious cars arrive.

"Sir Louis Brentworth, welcome to the Hotel Cime du Sud," she greeted him, her eyes scanning the small black box he was holding with extreme caution.

"Thank you," he replied in a dry voice, "this box is not to be touched by anyone." The veins in his hands were protruding from his tight grip.

On the other side, Mrs. Preeti Mehta was holding her baby wrapped in a blue blanket. Jessie noticed the Indian woman's fleeting glance of curiosity before looking away.

7:00 PM - Banquet Hall

The giant crystal chandelier shone above the guests' heads, reflected in the champagne glasses. Jessie moved among the guests, observing everything with an expert eye.

"Miss Narti," whispered Salim, the waiter, as he approached her. "I noticed a strange movement near the British table. A small shadow moving between the chairs."

Jessie slowly turned her gaze toward the scene. "Thank you, Salim. We'll monitor the situation."

8:00 AM the Next Day - Breakfast Room

The silence was shattered by a deafening scream. "The Royal Jewel! It's been stolen!" Sir Louis stood, pale-faced, his trembling finger pointing at Mrs. Mehta. "It's the thief! The jewel is in her baby's blanket!"

Jessie moved with elegant swiftness, standing between the accused and the accused. "We won't rush to judgment, Mr. Brentworth. At the Hotel Cime du Sud, we resolve matters with reason and calm."

She looked at the empty box, then into the eyes of the audience. Somewhere between these faces, the truth lay waiting to be discovered. She knew this was no ordinary robbery—it was a battle of wits, and she was determined to win.